When you are out hunting, your scope cover is your best friend. It will keep your scope free from dirt, moisture, and debris.

The last thing that you want to do is go home and find that the lens has been scratched or fogged up by a bug that flew into it.

You can buy a scope cover for as low as $5 on Amazon and all the way up to $100.

So how do you choose?

What are the differences between each one?

This post lists reviews of five of the best scope covers on the market today so that you don’t have to spend hours reading reviews yourself.

Best scope covers

Vortex Optics Sure Fit

[pr box=”B003SZBXK0″]

Pros

  • Neoprene is a silent, waterproof material.
  • The finger loop at the end allows for quick and easy on/off.
  • Keeps the scope clean from debris, dust, and dirt.

Cons

  • It May be too short when attached to the sunshade.

Vortex makes a lot of firearm-related products, and their riflescope cover is no exception. This case covers most scopes from 14” to 15.5”, plus there are three other sizes that scale up for larger scopes if that isn’t enough.

This cover is fully weatherproof and stretchable to fit over your scope with ease, protecting it from dust, debris, filth, and grime no matter how long you store it. The sales page provides information about certain scope sizes if you’re interested in finding out which scopes this works best for.

Key features

  • 10.58 pounds
  • Dimensions: Various sizes
  • Type: Full-Scope Cover
  • Compatibility: Fits most riflescopes between 9 and 11.5 inches in length

Additional features

  • Reasonable price
  • Various sizes

Defender Flip Caps by Vortex Optics

[pr box=”B07LFKV64T”]

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • A spring made of stainless steel
  • Made in the United States of America

Cons

  • Non-secure fit

Flip caps protect your scope lens from more damage than a standard pull-over cover, and Vortex makes an excellent scope cap that protects your scope lens from the majority of incoming damage. This fits all Vortex riflescopes except one and contains a stainless steel spring for various positions to assist you when you need it.

The defender is built to last, right down to the strong hinge. Whereas other flip caps fail to stay in place, this one does it flawlessly every time. Use the cap in a variety of directions, such as 45°, 90°, or any angle in between.

Key features

  • Weight: 0.1 pound 
  • Dimensions: Various sizes
  • Type: Objective flip cap
  • Compatibility: Fits all Vortex riflescopes except the Viper models VPR-M-01BDC, VPR-M-04BDC, and VPR-M-03BDC with a 1-inch tube.

Additional features

  • Stop points of 45, and 90 degrees are available.
  • Objective-24 fits

Butler Creek Flip-Open Eye-Piece Scope Cover

[pr box=”B0013R88VW”]

Pros

  • Ambidextrous silent spring hinges to not spook game
  • With the flick of a thumb, instant action lids open.
  • It works in temperatures ranging from 40 to 120 ℉ and only weighs an ounce.

Cons

  • It May be too short when attached to the sunshade.

Butler Creek is a low-cost, long-lasting firearm that has earned the hearts and minds of many gun enthusiasts. Because it’ll be a really tight fit when you get it, there are a lot of sizes to pick from. After it arrives, you may need to perform some tinkering.

Pull back and up the plastic by grasping either side of the cap. Although the pin is a little loose, it serves its purpose. This is essentially a storage cover, not one you’d put on a scope and use in the field.

Key features

  • Weight: 0.05 lbs.
  • Dimensions: Various sizes
  • Type: Objective flip cap
  • Compatibility: To select the right model, consult the Measurement Guide.

Additional features

  • Sizes vary
  • Have a weight of fewer than 30 grams

ScopeGuard Alaska Neoprene Scope Cover

[pr box=”B011F9BVBG”]

Pros

  • Made only by US Army Veterans in the USA 
  • Field release in an instant
  • Straightforward design

Cons

  • Really thin
  • Pulls easily over the scope, shielding it from injury.

ScopeGuard is about long-term storage and keeping your lens clear of dust and debris, not only impact protection. Dust can get behind the front lens and become stuck in the prism, which is why this is so crucial. This isn’t good.

Pull the bottom strap over your rifle’s barrel and the elastic cover over the entire scope. It’s a straightforward application with a reasonable price tag, and you can select from a range of sizes ranging from 10-12″ to 16-19″.

Choose between standard black and digital camouflage. Choose between standard black and digital camouflage. 

Key features

  • Weight: 0.2 lbs. 
  • Size: Various sizes
  • Type: Full scope cover
  • Compatibility: Fits most riflescopes with sizes 8 to 29 inches long

Additional features

  • Excellent fit
  • Simple to put on and remove

Monstrum Rubberized Flip-Up Rifle Scope Lens Cover

[pr box=”B07667F5YX”]

Pros

  • Effectively protects lenses from abrasion and dust
  • When needed, the flip-up mechanism opens easily, and when not in use, it closes securely.
  • One rubberized flip-up lens cover is included with each kit.

Cons

  • Splitting rubber

Flip caps are fantastic, especially when they’re made of hardener rubber, as this one is. Allow it to do its work by wrapping it securely around the tube of your scope. It comes with constraints as one of the most cost-effective solutions on our list. There are a lot of sizes to choose from. However, there are some gaps in some of them.

The steek pin keeps it solid, so it won’t just fall back down and seal it when you flip it open.

It’s a snug fit, but this flip cover does the job and protects your phone from dust, debris, and scratches.

Key features

  • Weight: 0.1 pound
  • Dimensions: Various sizes
  • Type: Objective flip cap
  • Compatibility: Designed to fit any riflescope

Additional features

  • Excellent fit
  • Reasonable price

Why are scope covers and caps vital?

Contemporary scopes are more robust than ever, and some users may believe they don’t require any further protection. You should, however, take all possible precautions to safeguard your scope. The following are some of the advantages of putting a scope cover or cap:

Lenses are protected

Many scopes have excellent abrasion resistance. That isn’t to say they aren’t vulnerable to scratches. If you keep your lens out in the open, it may develop little scratches over time. As a result, image quality may suffer. This problem can simply be avoided with the use of a proper cover or cap.

Helps you save time

If you don’t cover your lens, it will collect dust and other debris. You’ll need to clean it first before using it. This substance can also smear, blurring images and obscuring the lens. Keep the scope covered to save time and effort.

Easy on the wallet

Scopes are very expensive. Despite their durability, don’t take any unnecessary risks. Use a cover or cap to protect your investment. They’re a low-cost technique to ensure that your scope doesn’t get destroyed.

Best scope cover material

Rubber is usually the best option because it prevents a slew of problems. Waterproofing is usually a good idea, no matter what you’re applying it to, but it’s especially crucial with scope covers. Rubber, unlike some fabric materials, does not degrade with age.

You should be able to use these scope covers for the rest of your life, so why buy something that will deteriorate over time?

Then there are neoprene, nylon, polyester, and polymer mixtures to consider. These are all good options as well, especially if you buy and sell weapons frequently. If you’re like me and regularly attend weapons exhibitions, you might consider trading in your rifle for an upgrade or something new.

You might need a different size cover at that point.

Rubber caps are built to order, although neoprene, nylon, and other materials have some flexibility to them. They have a range of motion that allows them to be more versatile.

You’re not going to give a scope cover away with your rifle trade-in or sale, so if you have one, you can keep it with the expectation that it will fit your future scope.

Scope covering and storage

If you’re putting your pistol away with your scope attached, attempt to hang it horizontally. On the top of a rubber flip-up cap, this will result in the least amount of dust buildup. Because your guns are totally covered, you can lay them horizontally or vertically.

But what about all those extra scopes you have lying around? These covers we’ve talked about today are only for mounted scopes. Rubber caps can be used to shield unmounted scopes. However, this only protects a portion of them. We want to keep them safe and clear of trash and dust. This is when a little do-it-yourself inventiveness comes in handy.

Purchase a plain plastic case similar to what you’d see in a medium-sized first-aid kit. These are normally available for $5 or less online or in stores. After that, acquire some black foam cushioning, similar to what you’d see in a gun storage case.

You’ll be using two pieces of this. Place one on the case’s bottom. It’s possible that you’ll need to shape the edges using a utility knife to get them to fit properly. Take your time and do it right.

After that, place the other component on a flat surface. Place your scopes on top of them, leaving about 1-1.5” between them. Now you’ll use your knife to cut through the foam and mark exact outlines for these scopes.

Ensure that you cut all the way through. Place this on top of the other piece, and your scopes will have a comfy cushion. Other full pieces of foam can be attached to the other side of the case’s interior to keep things stable, so you don’t have to maintain the case horizontally at all times.

Buyer’s guide

Material

We discussed a lot of the differences between nylon, rubber, polyester, and neoprene. Now it’s just a matter of personal preference. Pull-on coverings, like rubber caps, can be utilized in the field, but they’re just another item to take in your backpack on your trip. It carries more weight.

For your most-used gun, we recommend rubber caps so you can take it hunting with you and pull-on covers for those that see less use. This also allows you to try out several cover types to discover which one you prefer.

Waterproofing

Not all covers are created equal. Some are completely waterproof, while others are only water-resistant. This distinction is significant. If you’re concerned about your scope becoming wet, make sure you get a cover that is completely waterproof.

Coverage 

Do you want your scope’s entire body or only the lens to be covered? If you’re only concerned about your lens, a cap will suffice. If you require full body protection, though, a cover is the way to go. It will protect your scope from bumps and scratches, as well as any moisture or debris that may get inside the lens.

Size

It’s enough to make your head spin just glancing at the sheer amount of sizes that some of these provisions have. Rubber caps are much more exact in sizing than pull-on covers, which come in roughly a half-dozen sizes to fit most scopes.

They’re sometimes even customized to the lens curvature of particular pistol brands. Knowing your measurements before going into this will help you find the correct cap.

User Ratings

Select the positive reviews: those that are well-written, with excellent punctuation and spelling, and those that demonstrate attention to detail and provide you with understandable reviews. Avoid those that are solely critical without being constructive in some way.

Pin Durability

The steel pin that allows you to flip up the rubber cap is very significant. Because some pins are frail, you’ll have to pull the cover all the way up and let it alone. Other pins are strong, and the cap will stay put no matter where you move it. Pins can sometimes become loose with age, so it’s preferable to start with a strong pin.

Guide to scope care

In order to properly care for your scope, there are a few things you must do. The first step is to ensure that you have a high-quality scope ring that is secure beyond a reasonable doubt. When you shoot your gun, vibration and kickback loosen these rings, causing your sight to become misaligned.

After you’ve secured your scope, you’ll need to align it with a specific shooting distance. A laser bore sighter is the best way to do this. Keep it tight and aligned, and you’re already aware of the importance of keeping it covered at this stage. That’s really the only thing I have to say about it. 

If your alignment is still failing or you’re having vision problems (fogged prism), do everything you can to fix it yourself. Bring it to a gunsmith or repair shop for further analysis if you can’t figure it out. Allowing a problem to fester for an extended period of time is the worst thing you can do.